The Tri-County Journal
& Chattahoochee Chronicle
PO Box 850, 71 Webb Lane
Buena Vista, GA 31803
229-649-6397
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     Some things have reached absurd proportions in this country. Increasingly, we are taking our  rich, diverse cultural heritage—some of it dating back 300 years—and slowly eradicating it, all for  the sake of not offending some individual or special-interest group. At no time is this more evident than in  the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
     Examples abound. A concerned parent recently wrote that whereas a year or two ago teachers in their school  district were told not to mention Christmas, Easter or anything relating to God, they cannot even mention the  word “Thanksgiving” this year because “the pilgrims offended the Indians” and  “Thanksgiving was never intended to be thanks to God!”
     Another parent with children in the public schools was upset and concerned when she received a letter from  school officials directing classroom mothers not to use plates and napkins with Thanksgiving printed on them at  their children’s fall parties. As she recounted, “It seems like they are worried about offending  just one person and are worried about law suits. In the past, this school has gone from ‘winter’  parties that banned red and green cupcakes and napkins, to banning any winter party in fear that it may be  mistaken for Christmas.”
     Several years ago, it was reported that Maryland public school students were free to thank anyone they wanted  while learning about the 17th century celebration of Thanksgiving. However, they were not allowed to thank God.  Instead, Maryland students read stories about the Pilgrims and Native American Indians, simulated Mayflower  voyages, held mock feasts and learned about the famous meal that temporarily allied two very different groups.  But teachers did not mention that in addition to thanking the Native Americans for their peaceful three-day  indulgence, the Pilgrims repeatedly thanked God.
     Clearly, those who founded our country recognized the importance of God in the life of our nation. They also  understood the rightness of thanking God for his blessings. For example, it was George Washington who, on  October 3, 1789, issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation. In Washington’s words, Americans were to set  aside “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the  many signal favors of Almighty God.”
     So how did we get to the point where the mere mention of God is enough to send some of our fellow citizens  into a tailspin—to such an extent that they are now trying to take the “thanks” out of  Thanksgiving?
     Part of the answer lies in our politically correct society. We have allowed ourselves to become controlled by  our fears. Rather than risk offending someone, we would sooner toss our rich history and traditions on the pyre  of political correctness. But such an approach is destined for failure. Indeed, even if you breathe, you are  sure to offend someone. What is the result? We gain nothing. We water down and suck the life out of what once  gave meaning and direction to our lives. In the end, our children will be the ones who lose out, left with  little clue as to where they came from or where they may be going in life.
     We have also lost our sense of reverence. Too many Americans have little, if any, gratitude for the liberty  and material comforts we enjoy—both of which were made possible through great sacrifice. Heedless of our  many blessings, as a nation, we are tempting fate.
     Indeed, the United States is now at the pinnacle of its power, not unlike England of 1897. At that point in  time, England was riding high. But as

By
John
Whitehead
Guest
Columnist